Methodist displaying local art in new Olive Branch hospital

Aug. 15, 2013 — Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare interior designer Leslie Freeland sorts dozens pieces of art work for hanging in the halls of the new Olive Branch hospital. Methodist officials contacted the Olive Branch Arts Council in search of local art and purchased 26 paintings for display. “We want to showcase the art as part of our holistic approach to care,” said Methodist spokeswoman Ruth Ann Hale. (Stan Carroll/The Commercial Appeal)

Aug. 15, 2013 — Employees with Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare in Olive Branch admire art work to be displayed in the corridors of the new hospital. Methodist officials contacted the Olive Branch Arts Council in search of local art and purchased 26 paintings for display. “We want to showcase the art as part of our holistic approach to care,” said Methodist spokeswoman Ruth Ann Hale. (Stan Carroll/The Commercial Appeal)

They beckoned with their wide, blue eyes and exaggerated lashes.

You couldn't help but stare back.

Guinea hens never looked so lovely.

Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare purchased "The Girls," a whimsical piece by Gwen Luttrell, and other locally-produced art for display in its new hospital.

The 100-bed facility near Bethel Road and U.S. 78 in Olive Branch will open for business Aug. 26. The paintings will be placed in public areas like the lobby.

Methodist officials contacted the Olive Branch Arts Council in search of local art. They purchased 26 paintings at the city's only gallery, The Painted Pigeon.

They also purchased other art after contacting the Byhalia Arts Council, and they acquired three pieces from a local photographer.

"We want to showcase the art as part of our holistic approach to care," said Methodist spokeswoman Ruth Ann Hale. "The display of art in our facilities offers an escape for patients and families during their treatment and healing process."

Dena Richardson, Painted Pigeon co-owner and executive director of the Olive Branch Arts Council, is on board with the idea that art aids healing.

"The whole idea is to make people feel better, to take your mind off of your problem," Richardson said.

Olive Branch resident Noel Jones began painting two years ago. He asked family members what they thought of his work. They liked it, so he kept painting. His abstracts are on display in Olive Branch and Gallery 156 in Holly Springs.

When he learned Methodist was interested in seeing more of his work, he said he was floored.

"I was just really blown away," Jones said. "I just really get excited about sharing my art work with the public."

Thousands of dollars were spent on the art. Individual paintings ranged from $250 to $2,400.

Methodist purchased five paintings from Julia Baker Bell, the most from any one of the dozen artists associated with the Olive Branch Arts Council. The Olive Branch woman uses vibrant colors in abstracts.

While Olive Branch was well represented, artists who live in other local cities also sold paintings. They include Anne Black of Southaven, who sold a portrait of large, green pears and another one of big apples.

"I think they were talking about putting them in the cafeteria," Richardson said.

Jan Wade of Byhalia sold a landscape of a pathway through the trees.

Luttrell, of Hernando, is known for her frequent painting of guinea hens, including "The Girls," with the big-eyed birds wearing feathered hats.

Luttrell was inspired to represent the hens in art after reading the story of a woman who talked about her guinea hens being worry-free.

"I didn't think what I had they wanted in a hospital environment," Luttrell said. "It was so whimsical."

Actually, that's just what the doctor ordered.

"When people look at them they just smile," Luttrell said. "That makes me happy."

Additional information: The event is open to the public and will include tours of the 100-bed hospital. Gov. Phil Bryant is expected to be among the dignitaries present. The hospital will open for patient care the morning of Aug. 26.